Greyhound provides regular scheduled coaches that serve Banff and Lake Louise, departing from Calgary and points in British Columbia. Another option is to book one of the many guided bus tours that visit the park. Most of these will depart from [[Calgary]] or [[Vancouver]].

+

Greyhound and Brewster provide regular scheduled coaches that serve Banff and Lake Louise, departing from Calgary and points in British Columbia. Another option is to book one of the many guided bus tours that visit the park. Most of these will depart from [[Calgary]] or [[Vancouver]].

Understand

Banff National Park is Canada'a first national park, and gave birth to the Nation Park system. At 6,641 square kilometres it is also one of the largest in Canada, if not the world. The park sees visits well into the millions annually.

History

This area was inhabited by the Stony Indians thousands of years before the white man arrived. Anthony Henday was the first non-native to see the Canadian Rockies in 1754. The park itself was first 'discovered' by the workers building the transcontinental railway in 1882. At first the park was centered around the Cave and Basin Hot Springs, and was officially born in 1885. The first Banff Springs Hotel was built a mere three years later, the current incarnation was built in 1928. The first highway through the park was completed in 1923. The park boundaries as they are today were drawn up in 1930, as part of the National Parks Act passed by Canadian Parliament.

Landscape

Other than the townsites of Banff and Lake Louise, and the highways that bisect the park, it is about 93 percent untouched wilderness. The most dominant feature is of course the mountains, of which vistas are present from anywhere in any direction.

Flora and fauna

The most common wildlife seen in the park are Bighorn Sheep, Deer, Elk, and Caribou. More elusive are the Moose, who are on a decline in population, and Mountain Goats, who are virtually undetectable on the mountainsides without a good pair of binoculars. Although sightings are rare, it is important to keep in mind the park is also home to Black, and Grizzly Bears, Wolves, Coyotes, and Mountain Lions (Cougars).

On the warm and fuzzier side the park is home to many Squirrels and Marmots. The occasional Porcupine and Beaver may also be found. Bird lovers will want to watch for Grouse, Bald Eagles, and the ubiquitous Canada Goose.

Climate

In summer the climate is generally mild. July is the warmest month, with an average temperature of 22C. There is rarely snow at highway level in the summer, but the mountain tops will be snow covered year round. In winter the average temperature drops drastically. January is the coldest month with an average of -15C. Snow will be found at any elevation in the winter, and harsh winter conditions can be expected anywhere at any time. No matter the season, it is important to consider that the temperature will drop 1C for every 200m of elevation gained.

By bus

Greyhound and Brewster provide regular scheduled coaches that serve Banff and Lake Louise, departing from Calgary and points in British Columbia. Another option is to book one of the many guided bus tours that visit the park. Most of these will depart from Calgary or Vancouver.

By train

Explore the Canadian Rockies by rail. Day rail tours depart from Banff connecting to Vancouver.

Rocky Mountaineer Vacations, [3] provides independent year round vacation packages to the most unique and scenic regions of Canada, including travel on the world acclaimed Rocky Mountaineer rail journey.

Between Mid-April and Mid-October, the two-day, all daylight Rocky Mountaineer travels between Vancouver or Whistler, British Columbia and the Rocky Mountain destinations of Jasper, Banff or Calgary Alberta. Guests relax in Redleaf or Goldleaf Service, enjoying onboard commentary and bi-regional cuisine as the awe-inspiring scenery passes by at a leisurely pace. For selected departure date in December, the festive Rocky Mountaineer travels through a winter wonderland where the mountain valleys are covered in a blanket of snow.

The Whistler Mountaineer offers an unforgettable three-hour rail excursion through the Sea-to-Sky region between North Vancouver and Whistler, with daily service in both directions and world-class Western Canadian hospitality onboard.

By air

The closest International Airport is in Calgary. Banff does have an airstrip, but there is no commercial service. An expensive charter flight will be required to land right in the park. Vancouver International Airport is an approximate 12 hour drive to the west. Springbank Airport (west of Calgary, towards Banff) is nearly 80 km from Banff. It operates short charter flights and tours over Banff National Park.

Fees/Permits

All visitors stopping in the park (even just for gas) require a park permit. If you are driving straight through the pass is not required. Day passes and annual passes are available.

Day pass: $8 adult, $4 youth, $7 senior, $16 family.

Annual pass: $55 adult, $27 youth, $47 senior, $109 family.

Additional variable fees are required for camping and backcountry exploration. See the official website for Parks Canada for a current schedule.

Get around

By far the easiest way to get around is by vehicle. Vehicle rentals are available in Calgary, Banff and Lake Louise.

It is also possible to cover the park on bicycle, but keep in mind the mountainous terrain will make this quite a workout. Bicycle rentals (town, road and mountain bikes) are also available with in Banff and Lake Louise, visit the Parks Canada information centre for both road and trail routes.

Or rent a moped from Bactrax/Snowtips [4] to explore the area around Banff!

GyPSy Guide provides the self-drive visitors with a guided tour. GyPSy Guide automatically plays audio commentary, depending on your location, and through the stereo of any vehicle as you tour through the National Parks and beyond. No buttons to push, it knows where you are!

See

There are several nature trails within half an hour of Banff township. These feature wildlife, waterfalls, lakes, rivers, and mountains. Banff is located at a high latitude and thus the scenery is four-seasonal; Banff looks completely different in the winter than it does in the summer.

Interested in golfing? Teeing-off amongst the backdrop of dramatic mountain ranges, with local wildlife as your gallery, is an unequalled golfing experience. Banff National Park boasts one course at The Fairmont Banff Springs[8]. Stanley Thompson, Canada's master golf course architect, used his expert talent when he designed the original 18 holes in 1928. The course winds along the Bow River under the snow-capped peaks of Sulphur Mountain and Mount Rundle. In 1989, the course was complemented with the construction of an adjoining 9 holes, designed by Cornish and Robinson, resulting in 27 holes of championship layout.

Visit the official site for Banff Lake Louise Tourism to find any activity you may be looking for whether it's horseback riding, fishing, sightseeing, ATV adventures, white water rafting, kayaking, and canoeing. Banff National Park also offers a large variety of activities besides skiing/snowboarding in the winter. Try your hand at dogsledding, icefishing, ice skating, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, ice climbing.

Do

Banff National Park is the home of three world renowned alpine ski/snowboard areas. There are passes valid at all three resorts available.

Sunshine, [9]. Eight kilometers west of Banff on highway 1. 3358 acres of lift-accessed terrain on three mountains. With a peak elevation of 2730m, you can see well into British Columbia from the top. Adult $64/d, student $49/d.

Lake Louise, [10]. Sixty kilometers west of Banff on highway 1. 4200 acres of lift-accessed terrain on four mountains makes this resort the largest single ski area in Canada. Adult $64/d, student $51/d.

Mount Norquay, [11]. Six kilometers north of Banff on the Mount Norquay access road. 190 acres of lift-accessed terrain. Norquay is famous for its super-steeps serviced by the original double chair. Adult $52/d, student $40/d.

Buy

In nearby towns you may enjoy strolling alongside locals and world-travellers as you discover a cosmopolitan collection of galleries, boutiques and cafés. Shops range from internationally recognized clothiers or independently-owned establishments to Canada's oldest department store.

Eat

With inventive panache, chefs relentlessly reach new culinary heights. Recipes change according to the seasons and make use of the freshest local ingredients. During the fall and winter, this means game, squash and legumes, while spring features asparagus and mushrooms and summer highlights edible flowers and fresh fruits.

Drink

Banff has a large variety of places to sit and enjoy a drink whether it is après ski or a patio.

Most of the pubs have live music, both open mike and hired bands. Dancing is defiantly encouraged!

Looking to watch the footie game or cricket match? Check out the Pump and Tap Tavern.

Sleep

Whether camping or looking for a high class hotel Banff and Lake Louise has something to offer. Camping spots are found throughout the park. Camping outside of designated spots is illegal without a special backcountry permit.

Lodging

There are many hotels/lodges and bed-and-breakfasts throughout Banff. Vacation rental apartments can also be found easily. Some resorts provide log-cabin rentals. RV parking is available very close to Banff township.

Backcountry

Parks Canada, +1.403.762.1550, (email: [email protected]), [12]. For registration if you are planning on camping in the backcountry.

Stay safe

Although cougar and bear attacks may get sensationalized in the media, statistically the greatest threat for injury or death in the park is driving through it. If you are unfamiliar with driving in winter conditions it is highly recommended you either find other transportation, or visit in the summer. If venturing in the backcountry you must also be aware of avalanche danger. This also applies to skiing out of bounds, in three words: Don't do it.

Elk, moose and deer are unpredictable and potentially dangerous, especially females with young (May and June) and males during the mating season (September through November). Remember, stay at least 30 metres (3 bus-lengths) away from any elk, moose or deer.

Wolves and coyotes are often seen on trails and along roads. Cougars are elusive and rarely seen, but they do live here. The chance of being approached by these carnivores is unlikely, but if you are approached, send a clear message that you are not prey.

Pick up small children immediately.

Try to appear bigger, by holding your arms or an object over your head.

Face the animal and retreat slowly. Do not run or play dead.

Maintain steady eye contact with the animal.

If the animal continues to approach, deter an attack by yelling, waving a stick or throwing rocks.

If you are attacked, fight back. Hit the animal with a heavy stick or rock.

Rules to follow for your safety and theirs:

Give all the wild animals you see the respect they deserve and the space they need.

Use your binoculars to see animals up close, and use telephoto for your photos.